iPad Pro iPad Pro's bending issue (merged)

[Cnasty]

I rarely get AC+ but did for this one.
If it does bend, is this something they are covering?

I am honestly not worried about it considering I am super careful with my devices but just curious.

 

[Khedron]

I rarely get AC+ but did for this one.
If it does bend, is this something they are covering?

I am honestly not worried about it considering I am super careful with my devices but just curious.

With AC+ you pay $49 instead of $649 (11) or $839 (12.9)

Problem with it IMO is that it only covers the first 2 years whereas I'm specifically concerned about long term issues

 

[Khedron]

6 months now of putting mine in a leather soft-sided briefcase on a daily basis, multiple airplane flights with it shoved in a backpack and still perfectly flat. No scuff marks where the pencil attaches nor is the pencil itself scuffed.

My wife's (which was purchased at the same time as mine) is still perfectly straight and she is known in the family of not being gentle with her electronic devices. She frequently leaves hers laying on the bed when she is not using it and I have witnessed our Miniature Schnauzer and our 80 lb. Golden Lab step directly on her iPad and it is still perfectly flat and works as it should.

It's one of the best Apple devices I have purchased, will only get better with iOS 13, and I'm glad I learned to ignore the small, very vocal minority that have no first hand usage of the device screaming at the top of their lungs how flawed a device it is. Especially the ones that don't even own the device. I'm enjoying the device while some lament the device they have no experience with and don't get to enjoy using the device.

That's great, but some people can't even get a flat iPad out of the box and 6 months is nothing in terms of durability.

If you bought it in the EU you've only just passed the point where you can still return the device for refund for any problem and the burden would be on Apple to prove it was your fault.

Let's see how the new design Pros are holding up after another 2 years, or if Apple changes their design in the meantime.

 

[Cnasty]

With AC+ you pay $49 instead of $649 (11) or $839 (12.9)

Problem with it IMO is that it only covers the first 2 years whereas I'm specifically concerned about long term issues

For me I will probably have a new iPad by then as I dont keep devices more then 2 years so that would work. I was just curious if they are taking these under AC+ when a bend does occur even though I am not truly concerned with it.

 

[Dennison]

AppleCare is almost always worth it on all Apple Devices.

I suppose I really should add my two cents to this thread since it has stayed around so long. My first 12.9 inch iPad Pro (2018) came with an obvious defect. The device’s screen was flexing as I was picking it up from it’s top side (the left side with the cameras, if you think about the iPad in horizontal) I saw issues and white spotting on the display immediately. This was most obvious in the white background of the Notes app. This also was very obvious and appeared to get worse when typing upright while docked in the Smart Folio in that affected area.

I exchanged my original at Apple and got my replacement device right away by making a repair appointment. The Apple retail employee clearly saw the issue too. Unsure if they exchanged utilizing the 14-day return policy, using my AppleCare+, or just helped me because they’ve seen the issue before as it’s gotten notoriety online.

My replacement iPad Pro has performed exceptionally and I felt right away how more rigid and sturdy it was when picking it up or holding the display with one hand on one edge. Something was structurally wrong with the first one, either happened in manufacturing or shipping. This issue seems to be showing up on other people’s iPads and I’d have to guess they didn’t notice a defect or it didn’t worsen enough until later in the product lifespan. I noticed my issue when typing and drawing within minutes of opening my new iPad Pro.

I attempted to take a few images of the white spotting I mentioned earlier. It’s extremely faint in images, but very obvious when holding the iPad from it’s edge. You could see internals pushing against the underside of the backlight causing the screen to deform.

How Apple can resolve this in future generations of iPad Pro: I’ve seen a few comments online and on twitter that Apple might want to use their 7000 series Aluminum process on the Pro models if they continue to choose to make them so thin. However, one of the main reasons to make the iPad even thinner is to make them more compact and lighter, so they continue to get easier to hold and use all day. The iPhone 6 to iPhone 6s weight difference was actually pretty noticeable, so on the scale of the iPads it might not be a good idea if they got meaningfully heavier. I think now that they’re aware of the issues customers have, it’s time to make sure the components and the structural safeguards inside the iPads are even better next time around.
[doublepost=1563984918][/doublepost]

My first 12.9 inch iPad Pro (2018) came with an obvious defect. The device’s screen was flexing as I was picking it up from it’s top side (the left side with the cameras, if you think about the iPad in horizontal) I saw issues and white spotting on the display immediately. This was most obvious in the white background of the Notes app. This also was very obvious and appeared to get worse when typing upright while docked in the Smart Folio in that affected area.

I really should mention here that I bought this iPad Pro from Amazon Prime about one month ago and it was shipped to my house. So this is a problem that either persists in manufacturing or shipment. Apple may not be able to fully address it until the next generation or redesign.

 

[jjudson]

...so on the scale of the iPads it might not be a good idea if they got meaningfully heavier.

In all the years I've owned an iPad, I never found myself wishing for a thinner or lighter device. To me, they were all plenty thin and plenty light. That's not to say the latest version feels perhaps a little better to hold, but not enough from the Gen 2 that would make me determine it was necessary.

Meantime, in Apple's unnecessary plan to make everything as light and as thin as possible, we lose structural stability, room for extra battery life, and perhaps room for other items we haven't considered yet.

As others have mentioned on this thread, you trade off structural stability for thinness. "It's science" one has said. Yes, it's science, but I don't think there was an incredible demand from the user base to reduce this stability for the sake of thinness.

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

I much rather would have a thicker, more sound ipad any day of the week over a thinner lighter ipad!

 

[aevan]

In all the years I've owned an iPad, I never found myself wishing for a thinner or lighter device.

A lot of people did, though, otherwise Apple wouldn’t made it thinner.

Also, it adds up. Two generations may not feel that much different, but the latest 12.9” does not feel (in hand) that much different from my old iPad 3, and it has twice the screen.
[doublepost=1563995079][/doublepost]

I much rather would have a thicker, more sound ipad any day of the week over a thinner lighter ipad!

People keep saying that, and yet, in the end, their wallets vote differently. Besides, if the iPad is thin and reasonably strong, why not have a lighter device?

 

[jjudson]

A lot of people did, though, otherwise Apple wouldn’t made it thinner.

You may be right, but sometimes I think Apple just likes to show off.

 

[xx22]

A lot of people did, though, otherwise Apple wouldn’t made it thinner.

Also, it adds up. Two generations may not feel that much different, but the latest 12.9” does not feel (in hand) that much different from my old iPad 3, and it has twice the screen.
[doublepost=1563995079][/doublepost]

People keep saying that, and yet, in the end, their wallets vote differently. Besides, if the iPad is thin and reasonably strong, why not have a lighter device?

Why, did they poll people?

a. Yes I would like Ipads to be thinner and lighter even if it effects its strength and durability.

b. No, my main concern is strength and durability even if it is a little thicker and heavier. And if it is stronger and more durable and less slippery I may not even want to use a case with it, so it would wind up being lighter and more compact after all!

Well I certainly know which one I'd vote for!

 

[Pez555]

Of course. Just as iPad 2 was less rigid than iPad 1. As things get smaller and lighter, they get less rigid. Similarly, a plastic screen (like the ones phones used to have) is less shatter prone than glass ones.

The question here is whether this rigidity is sufficient for regular use.



Well, I can’t speak about other people’s usage. I’m using mine normally, carrying it in the same bags, using it the same way and I haven’t experienced bending. I honestly don’t know how other people are using theirs. I’ll give you an example - a friend of mine upgraded from an iPhone 4S to iPhone 7 a few years ago, after his trusty 4S finally stopped working (not really a gadget person, as you can see, but he liked “the new bigger iPhones” so he was actually happy to get one). He broke the screen on his 7 just days after getting it. “I just took it out of my pants and it was broken - this is ********! Apple quality is not what it used to be with this new guy running things after Jobs!” - You know, the standard response. So I asked him how he broke it, and he replied that he did nothing out of the ordinary, he used it the same way he always did. So, to paraphrase you - his usage hasn’t changed. To cut the story short - after a brief inquiry I found out he was not only putting his iPhone in his back pocket, like he always have, he also kept it in there while sitting. Like he always have. Now, I don’t know, perhaps it was just bad luck, but I’d say the 4S which is both thicker and smaller managed to survive all these years and the more fragile 7 didn’t - with its bigger screen area, thinner design, aluminium frame instead of a steel one, etc.

So, does that mean iPhone 7 was badly designed - or that you shouldn’t sit on a thinner, lighter, larger phone? I don’t know - but I know that it was good of Apple to make thinner and bigger phones. Now the new iPad is thinner and lighter - while keeping the great battery life and impressively increasing performance. At the same time, one of the two main complaints people had for the 12.9” that it was too large and heavy to hold for a longer time. The other one was the way Pencil charged. Apple addressed both: they made the volume and weight smaller and they added a plastic charging spot in an opening to the side. Both decisions reduced the structural strength of the iPad, but both decisions were made with good reason. Of course the rigidity would be reduced, just like the larger, thinner aluminium iPhones had their rigidity reduced compared to previous iPhones.

Now, the two questions here are: 1. does this affect the iPad at regular usage, 2. was there anything Apple could’ve done better (like in the case of 6S). For the first one, my experience (of carrying the iPad in various bags and using it daily), the answer is: no, it does not. I can’t speak for others, as I mentioned above, this is all anecdotal and neither “side” has the real data. As for the second one - we’ll see if theY change anything to make it more rigid with the next version.

I hope I explained to you why I, personally, think this is an overblown issue. You’re welcome to disagree, of course, but I can tell you, this iPad Pro is one of my most favorite Apple devices ever. And to everyone asking for it to be thicker - that is your preference. For me - I want as thin and light iPad as possible, as long as it doesn’t negatively affect its operation. In this case, I don’t think it does. People should take note, though - this new iPad, as a result of its advanced Pencil charging feature and thinner and lighter design is less rigid than the previous ones - so if you’re rough on your devices, you should pay extra care to protect your device.

I could be wrong, of course. Time will tell.

It really isn’t overblown. These things are bent out of the box. When has that ever been acceptable with any other product in history?

They are weak and mark my words the next iPad pros will be stronger, just like the 6s was to the 6.

 

[aevan]

It really isn’t overblown. These things are bent out of the box. When has that ever been acceptable with any other product in history?

For those bent out of box, I agree. But that’s a different issue - one that even Apple admitted.
[doublepost=1564096206][/doublepost]

Why, did they poll people?

I’m sure they do serious market research and have extensive sales data and top sales data analysts.

Also no scientific poll would allow such biased options like those you presented. You’re heavily suggesting the answer you prefer as the correct one. There is a reason why referendums and polls done for actual scientific research are written in a very specific, non-biased way.

 

[cleareclipse]

Hi, I want to share what the bend in my iPad 12.9 inch Wi-Fi + Cellular looks like now, after approximately six months of normal use (no accidental damage). I use the iPad predominately to live stream Fortnite. I am currently seeking to receive a refund for this device through a tribunal, based on Australian Consumer Law.

 

[xx22]

For those bent out of box, I agree. But that’s a different issue - one that even Apple admitted.
[doublepost=1564096206][/doublepost]

I’m sure they do serious market research and have extensive sales data and top sales data analysts.

Also no scientific poll would allow such biased options like those you presented. You’re heavily suggesting the answer you prefer as the correct one. There is a reason why referendums and polls done for actual scientific research are written in a very specific, non-biased way.

Well sure, I was expressing my opinion not designing a non-biased poll question.

 

[Fozziebear71]

Hi, I want to share what the bend in my iPad 12.9 inch Wi-Fi + Cellular looks like now, after approximately six months of normal use (no accidental damage). I use the iPad predominately to live stream Fortnite. I am currently seeking to receive a refund for this device through a tribunal, based on Australian Consumer Law.
View attachment 849918

Nope. No way that happened under "normal use" and "no accidental damage". That's just silly.

 

[jonnyb098]

Just to add my 5 cents to this discussion. I am somebody who does not easily believe claims like "all iPads Pro are bent", so I decided to test an iPad Pro 11 myself... and here are the results.

The iPad Pro 11 (Wi-Fi only model) I ordered from Online Apple Store was a little bit bent out of the box on one side. How do I know it? I put the iPad on a piece of A4 paper lying on a flat table. Then I turned the right side (the side of the back facing camera) and the left side (the opposing side) to my camera and shot a few photos. It was quite a challenge to capture everything well.

Right side:

Left side:

Right side (bent):

My conclusion is that the right side is slightly bent. You can see a gap in the middle between the iPad and the piece of paper. If I press on this side, it moves down and the gap closes.

Left side (not bent):

The left side does not suffer from the same problem and is perfectly flat. If I press on this side, nothing happens.

It seems that the new iteration of the iPad Pro has a less than ideal structural integrity compared to the previous generations. Do not forget that this is a new device that I just took out of the box. I think that it is due to the placement of the huge camera bump on the right side and a rather weak reinforcement of the chassis: so, physics does its work here (mainly on one side where the camera is) and, in my view, it will get only worse with the years (especially, if you use no protective case). Personally, I am not a huge fan of these camera bumps and would rather prefer a slightly thicker device or a less advanced camera without any bump like in the iPad Air 3.

The iPad Pro I have here has a great screen and looks amazing, but the fact that it came bent was the main reason for me to return this device and to wait for the updated iPad Pro. It looks like Apple is aware of this problem: an Apple customer service employee didn't sound surprised at all when I explained why I wanted to return the device and immediately offered to take it back.

To be honest, I have never experienced any kind of bending issues with the previous iPads Air or Pro and hope that this issue will be fixed by Apple. (similarly to the same problem with the iPhone 6 that was fixed in the iPhone 6S when Apple switched to the use of the 7000 series aluminum alloy) I can see myself using this great looking tablet as long as it is not bent and/or is not going to bend in a few years.

Let's wait and see.

You probably never experienced issues on previous pros because it’s much harder to see laying flat due to the chamfered edges. My air 2, pro 9.7, pro 10.5 and pro 11 all have a very slight bend when looking at a 90 degree angle. That’s physics with thin devices. I’ll guarantee every single one exhibits this issue just to varying degrees (microns). Plus many simply don’t notice it.

Anyway back to reality and physics. Having a PERFECTLY straight piece of metal and glass mix increases it chance of breaking, shattering , etc so a tiny bit of bend is going to happen to allow the device to flex a little. This also helps when dropping. The fact is apple most likely sees this as a non issue due to the facts outlined above along with knowing not every user is doing a fine tooth comb inspection out of the box.

Any serious anomalies out there that have an excessively noticeable bend will be covered. Just don’t be jerks going into stores to replace them and you’ll get treated much better. I just had my 11 inch replaced due to a scratched screen(my fault) FREE not having to use one of my $49 replacement charges usually incurred with AppleCare +. Amazing how many angry faced people I saw waiting for service.

 

[killhippie]

I much rather would have a thicker, more sound ipad any day of the week over a thinner lighter ipad!

Try holding a thicker heavier iPad 12.9" while in bed and see how long you last before you end up with it bashing your face if you are laying down slightly (I'm disabled so cannot sit upright unsupported in bed) even now they are a bit unwieldy even in landscape orientation (damn your position FaceID sensor always with the arrow that I'm covering up the camera, well its hard not to)
[doublepost=1564299420][/doublepost]

Hi, I want to share what the bend in my iPad 12.9 inch Wi-Fi + Cellular looks like now, after approximately six months of normal use (no accidental damage). I use the iPad predominately to live stream Fortnite. I am currently seeking to receive a refund for this device through a tribunal, based on Australian Consumer Law.

I take it you are having a laugh, because that cant happen on its own, don't sit on it and try and bend it straight! My 1TB iPad Pro 12.9" was purchased in February and its still flat, then again I am careful, I wouldn't want to sit on any new Mac laptop and expect no damage either, or a 27" iMac laying down face up as the glass would break I'm pretty sure. (not sure how the latter would end up happening on but just thought id mention large areas of glass and Apple devices will break).

 

[jimmy_uk]

[doublepost=1564299420][/doublepost]I take it you are having a laugh, because that cant happen on its own, don't sit on it and try and bend it straight! My 1TB iPad Pro 12.9" was purchased in February and its still flat, then again I am careful, I wouldn't want to sit on any new Mac laptop and expect no damage either, or a 27" iMac laying down face up as the glass would break I'm pretty sure. (not sure how the latter would end up happening on but just thought id mention large areas of glass and Apple devices).

Again, again and again! Why do you feel the need to suggest the op has damaged their ipad themselves and paint a picture of how you think they did it? They have already said no accidental damage. And your ipad is fine so any complaint from others is down to their actions.

The back looks like it's separating and taking the super thin piece of side metal with it. Perhaps the glue has failed? Perhaps the internal heat has caused the case to expand?

If the op had sat on it, bent it then bent it back wouldn't the side be creased? Wouldn't the glass be damaged? Wouldn't the magnet have broken off?

 

[maflynn]

Try holding a thicker heavier iPad 12.9"

I will say that I found it awkward and not really useful in holding the apple's current 12.9 iPad upright like that. Its a form factor that really doesn't lend itself to extended uses with holding it upright. I do think Apple erred in making this too thin and/or not providing sufficient bracing to prevent or mitigate the risk of bending

 

[killhippie]

Again, again and again! Why do you feel the need to suggest the op has damaged their ipad themselves and paint a picture of how you think they did it? They have already said no accidental damage. And your ipad is fine so any complaint from others is down to their actions.

The back looks like it's separating and taking the super thin piece of side metal with it. Perhaps the glue has failed? Perhaps the internal heat has caused the case to expand?

If the op had sat on it, bent it then bent it back wouldn't the side be creased? Wouldn't the glass be damaged? Wouldn't the magnet have broken off?

No that's had force applied, a piece of metal would not bend like that also the bit sticking up is the front and the glass has separated (that's why the camera bump is on the back in the image) so since you don't seem to have this years iPad Pro or studied one close up otherwise you would have known the layout of that area, maybe its best not to interject. That was caused my mechanical stress of some kind, its pretty obvious, also internal heat does not bend these iPads. The urban myths people believe in mortifies me.

I will say that I found it awkward and not really useful in holding the apple's current 12.9 iPad upright like that. Its a form factor that really doesn't lend itself to extended uses with holding it upright. I do think Apple erred in making this too thin and/or not providing sufficient bracing to prevent or mitigate the risk of bending

I think the folio case tends to help. Maybe the position of the mic and the pen holder make slightly weaker points in the middle, but still 7 months later and mine has not turned into a banana on its own

I see your point though but this device is meant to be used in landscape mode which is how I use mine. I think though the shear size of the iPad means its going to always flex even if they reinforce it and move the pen holder and mic hole. it has to be light unless they make it out of titanium or add the curve to the back and bigger bezels like its predecessor (which I would not mind) as my hand always gets in the way of the camera. As to all the people that say they should have used 7000 series aluminium, how do we know they didn't I'm genuinely interested to know? I cant find any info on the web about the 2018 iPads metallurgy.

 

[Blaster13]

Hmmm iPad Pro 2018 bent... fml
[doublepost=1564519335][/doublepost]And it’s been in here since day 1....

 

[killhippie]

It either came like that or once again its been bent, they don't bend on their own they need mechanical stress of some kind. Like any 1K plus thing take care of it, its not a toy. I agree its bent along its weakest point but all I can say is mine isn't like that, if it was I would contact Apple not moan on here tbh.

 

[Blaster13]

It either came like that or once again its been bent, they don't bend on their own they need mechanical stress of some kind. Like any 1K plus thing take care of it, its not a toy. I agree its bent along its weakest point but all I can say is mine isn't like that, if it was I would contact Apple not moan on here tbh.

Is this reply to myself?
My pad has been in that case since day 1, it’s also never left my bedroom and either sits on my window flat or is on top of my wardrobe.
I can assure you now that this has never had any stress or been bent... in anyway shape or form. This is down to either being delivered like this or down to Apple issues... it’s booked in with Apple anyway.

 

[Kal-037]

You probably never experienced issues on previous pros because it’s much harder to see laying flat due to the chamfered edges. My air 2, pro 9.7, pro 10.5 and pro 11 all have a very slight bend when looking at a 90 degree angle. That’s physics with thin devices. I’ll guarantee every single one exhibits this issue just to varying degrees (microns). Plus many simply don’t notice it.

Anyway back to reality and physics. Having a PERFECTLY straight piece of metal and glass mix increases it chance of breaking, shattering , etc so a tiny bit of bend is going to happen to allow the device to flex a little. This also helps when dropping. The fact is apple most likely sees this as a non issue due to the facts outlined above along with knowing not every user is doing a fine tooth comb inspection out of the box.

Any serious anomalies out there that have an excessively noticeable bend will be covered. Just don’t be jerks going into stores to replace them and you’ll get treated much better. I just had my 11 inch replaced due to a scratched screen(my fault) FREE not having to use one of my $49 replacement charges usually incurred with AppleCare +. Amazing how many angry faced people I saw waiting for service.

Just food for thought, almost all my past iPads had slight bends or imperfections in the body or glass like you mentioned... but I honestly think that's more normal than not with any device (Apple or not.) Sure 7075 Aluminum (Might) help or better structural integrity would... but unless they use a type of metal, plastic, or whatever that doesn't bend over time or at all, we will never NOT have these type of threads.
That's why we just need iPads to be holograms.


K.

 

[killhippie]

Just food for thought, almost all my past iPads had slight bends or imperfections in the body or glass like you mentioned... but I honestly think that's more normal than not with any device (Apple or not.) Sure 7075 Aluminum (Might) help or better structural integrity would... but unless they use a type of metal, plastic, or whatever that doesn't bend over time or at all, we will never NOT have these type of threads.
That's why we just need iPads to be holograms.


K.

Or a slab of futuristic perspex that somehow displays everything without any circuitry. The day Apple comes up with that, and its self healing just in case of scratches I'm all in.